Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers claimed a 2-1 victory over Delhi SG Pipers, making them the first team to qualify for the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 semifinals. The match took place at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Monday. Despite the defeat, the Pipers were already eliminated from the semifinal race.
Pipers Take the Lead
The game began with both teams playing cautiously. The Pipers earned a penalty corner early on but missed the target. They focused their attacks through Dilraj Singh on the left. However, it was the Bengal Tigers who came closest to scoring. Dockier and Abhishek linked up well, but goalkeeper Benjamin Rennie made a crucial save.
Then, in the 27th minute, Tomas Domene broke the deadlock. Domene received a perfect pass from Lucas Toscani. He continued his run and got the return pass, before firing a reverse hit into the roof of the net, leaving goalkeeper Jamie Carr with no chance. The Pipers led 1-0.
Tigers Fight Back in Final Quarter
Although the Tigers thought they had equalized in the 31st minute when Sukhjeet Singh scored, the goal was disallowed. The Pipers seemed to be holding on to their slim lead. However, the Tigers mounted a comeback in the final quarter.
First, Rupinder Pal Singh gave the Tigers a lifeline with a well-executed penalty corner. Jugraj pushed the ball to Rupinder in the second battery, and he blasted it into the net, tying the score at 1-1 with five minutes left.
Dockier Clinches the Win
Then, in the 59th minute, Gursewak Singh made a brilliant run down the right. He evaded multiple defenders before sending a perfect pass across the goal. Sebastien Dockier was in the right place at the right time and tapped the ball in to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead. This late goal sealed the win and ensured the Tigers’ spot in the semifinals.
Overall, Bengal Tigers showed great resilience, coming from behind to win 2-1. Late goals from Rupinder Pal Singh and Sebastien Dockier secured the victory. Tomas Domene’s earlier goal for the Pipers wasn’t enough, as the Tigers claimed three crucial points and earned a place in the semifinals.
